Filter Content
- Executive Principal's Message
- Junior Secondary Update
- Senior Secondary Update
- Pathways Centre Update
- House Cup Assembly 2022
- Growing Good Humans
- Science Club
- Duke of Edinburgh Awards
- News from the Wellbeing Team
- Student Achievements
- General News
- PBC Alliance News
- Uniform Shop Update
- Administration
- Community Notices
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Last week was a fantastic culmination event and celebration of achievement for so many of our Academic and Performing Arts Students. Watching the performances at Dance Night with our students was amazing enough, then the Currumbin SS students joined in. To hear the, “red, white, red” chant from the students at the end of their final number behind the curtain in recognition of what they had just achieved was one of the most special moments in my time here at PBC.Many of those same Dance students backed up the next night at Senior Academic Awards Night to perform and / or receive subject / major school awards. Congratulations to Jake Matsushita who is this year’s School Dux and to Tanu Nona who has received the Sir Samuel Griffith Scholarship valued at over $25,000. I would also like to acknowledge our 2023 School Captains, Keeley Parker and Sean Lunney.
Wednesday night witnessed four local community members (three of whom are, have been or will be connected to the school) Andy King, Lisa Gillard, Dinesh Palipana OAM and Wayne Rabbit Bartholomew tell their stories about overcoming adversity to an audience of Miami SHS and PBC staff, students and parents. It was an uplifting and impressive night about making choices and how dealing with / overcoming adversity shapes who we are as people. I would encourage to explore our guest speakers biographies online (or in the case of Mark and Dinesh – ABC iView, Australian Story) for more information.
Friday night was our annual Music Under the Lights gala performance that showcases our best and brightest Instrumental Musicians and singers. It was again great to see the local primary schools participating.
To celebrate 2023, the PBC Optima Yearbook pre-ordering has commenced. Please see the form below for details or contact the finance office to reserve your copy of this yearly publication that celebrates the year that was.
Chris Capra
Executive Principal
CRICOS Provider: The Queensland Department of Education trading as Education Queensland International (EQI) CRICOS Provider Number 00608A
Last week our leadership team had planning time to develop our improvement agenda for 2023.
Our key areas of focus centre on improving consistency in teacher practice and feedback loops for students that allow them to gain specific and timely feedback to improve the quality of their learning. The staff will also focus on creating further opportunities to generate student voice and agency amongst the student population.
We were also able to review some results for junior school which showed the impact of the last two years in our changed approach to supporting below national standard literacy and numeracy levels. It was pleasing to see an improved trend in the number of students who were requiring higher levels of intervention as a result. I think this is particularly pleasing given the disruptive nature of the last two years of schooling.
I was also grateful for the additional work both staff and students have done to improve these areas. Thank you to parents who have been reinforcing learning at home.
House Camps
We still have a few spots for students to attend the house camps at the end of the year. If you are interested in attending camp please see the team at D block student services for a permission slip to secure your spot.
Please make payment at the finance window and/or through B-point. Unfortunately, refunds are no longer being accepted if you change your mind.
Year 7 Optima Assembly
Last week, we presented 162 OPTIMA awards to our year 7 cohort at their final OPTIMA assembly of the year. Congratulations to all the students in their achievements.
It has been great to see over 35% of students in year 7 be recognised in their academic, cultural and sporting achievement.
Congratulations to all students who were recently recognised at our 51st Annual Senior Academic Awards Evening. It was a privilege to celebrate the academic achievements of each student who topped their academic subject in 2022, as well as recognise our outstanding leaders and community-leaders. Particular congratulations must go to our School Captains, Tanu and Bella for hosting what is their final PBC-event as well as our newly-announced School Dux, Jake Matsushita and Runner-Up Dux, Maximus Barber. School Dux is a significant achievement at a school this large and with such a rich academic history, so both young men are to be heartily congratulated.
We also had the pleasure of introducing to our school community the 2023 Student Leadership Team. Congratulations to the following students who will lead the school in 2023 with pride:
School Captains: Keeley Parker and Sean Lunney
Vice Captains: Ben Burgess, Mia Cuffe, Claudia Thorne, Imogen Stewart
Prefects: Asha Webb, Indiana Sinnamon, Millie West, Hannah Daley, Sam Emmerson, Jake Lateo, Hayley Lyons, Kik Iliuk
We wish our Year 12 cohort the best of luck as they, this week, embark on their final External Exams. With exams commencing Monday 24 October and finishing on Tuesday 15 November, our graduating students still have a big month ahead! Congratulations to all of our Year 12's on their efforts and dedication to their studies through these final weeks.
Year 12 Formal and Graduation Ceremony
The final guest ticket release for our 2022 Graduation Ceremony to be held on Thursday 17th November is now live. Please check your emails as to how to purchase and for an update on timings for this wonderful event.
Release of Year 12 results
The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) will release student QCEs and Senior Statements and Statements of Results through the Student Portal on the myQCE website https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/index.html from 9:00am on Saturday 17 December 2022. Students must know their Learner Unique Identifier (LUI) and password to log in and check their results. All information regarding logging into the Student Portal has been emailed to students.
Students will be able to download hard copies of their qualifications directly from the Student Portal on the myQCE website. They will not be sent hard copies from the QCAA.
Please note that as Year 12 results and Levels of Achievement are calculated by the QCAA, Year 12 students will not receive an Exit Statement or Report from PBC; they will only receive published results from the QCAA via the Student Portal.
Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)
ATARs are calculated by the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). All ATAR eligible students should have registered with QTAC (https://www.qtac.edu.au/atar/ ) to ensure that they receive their ATAR on 17 December.
Year 10 and 11 Exams
Year 10 and 11 shutdown exams will commence in the week of 21 - 25 November. The shutdown timetable is still being finalised and will be published on the school website (https://pbc-shs.eq.edu.au/curriculum/testing-and-assessment) in the next week. All students may have timetabled exams up to and including the last day.
A reminder that all drafts and assignments are due before 9:00am on the due date and that exams cannot be given early to students because of other commitments. The school assessment policy is also published on the same link above as shutdown exam timetables.
A reminder that in 2023 all Year 10 and 12 assessment will be scheduled for the last week of each term. Year 11s will have a different schedule for Term 1 and 2 however will also have exams in the last week of school in Terms 3 and 4.
Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement
Year 10 and 11 parents and students have recently been sent an email outlining a Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement. This course is fully VETis funded and is conducted at PBC in the last week of the January school holidays (17 - 20 January). This course offers entry level technical training in skills applied to scientific sampling and measurement in a field situation. It has been developed with the support of scientists and large mining companies to suit the needs of the mining and infrastructure sector. This course is particularly useful for students entering, or currently studying Senior Science subjects in 2023, and earns students 4 QCE points if successfully completed. Check your emails for more details or contact Mr Poirrier or Mr. McDougall for more information.
First Aid and Safety Qualification
All Year 10 parents and students have recently been emailed a letter regarding completing a First Aid and Safety course. This course as well as providing lifesaving skills; attains 2 QCE points for students and is highly regarded by employers. The course consists of 2-3 hours of online learning and then a practical training day on November 25. Students can register by paying the $75 fee to Student services. Check your emails for more details.
Read Less
Week 2 of Term 4 saw the gathering of the school for the annual House Cup Assembly. The race for the House Cup for 2022 was the closest in years with a very small margin separating finishing positions. However, after tallying all points from carnivals, interhouse competitions, Instagram competitions and Optima Points the final house tally for 2022 was as follows:
1st – Phoenicians (4th year in a row – did someone say dynasty?)
2nd – Athenians
3rd – Vikings
4th – Spartans
The assembly also recognises the teachers and students that go above and beyond for their house throughout the year. The House Spirit Award recognises two students from each house who have shown outstanding loyalty to their house, given their all in every event this year and are the definition of the house spirit we cherish at PBC.
Athenians House Spirit – Amayah Frawley
Athenians House Spirit– Cloe Coombes
Phoenicians House Spirit – Olive McCagh
Phoenicians House Spirit – Jett Lindsay
Spartans House Spirit – Marnie Lambert
Spartans House Spirit – Sharmily Hallett-Wharewaka
Vikings House Spirit – Baeden Black
Vikings House Spirit - Charlotte Hart
We also took the time to acknowledge teachers that have gone the extra mile in 2022 with a Most Outstanding Teacher in House & Care Award:
Athenians JS Care Teacher – Mr Semple
Athenians SS Care Teacher – Ms Wahlin
Phoenicians JS Care Teacher – Ms McGuire
Phoenicians SS Care Teacher – Mr Hage
Spartans JS Care Teacher – Mr Robb
Spartans SS Care Teachers – Mr Darnett
Vikings JS Care Teacher – Mr Patison
Vikings SS Care Teacher – Mr Larter
The final set of awards were presented to students who have provided unwavering assistance and shown genuine effort in developing their respective House this year. These students were presented with the Excellence in Leadership for 2022.
Athenians Leadership Award – Xalia Smith
Athenians Leadership Award – Lily Suttle
Phoenicians Leadership Award – Leilani Nield
Phoenicians Leadership Award – Lilly Findlay
Spartans Leadership Award – Sienna Farrell
Spartans Leadership Award – Jaymee Fahey
Vikings Leadership Award – Layne Brown
Vikings Leadership Award – Beth Brown
We also chose this time to present the school’s 2022 charity with our fundraising efforts. This year “You Choose Road Safety” was the chosen charity. As a school $7,000 was raised through all fundraising events. This non-profit organisation raises awareness about youth driving in Australia and have made a major impact this year on our school community and in particular our year 12 cohort. A massive congratulations to the Student Council who have guided all fundraising events for You Choose this year!
The race for the 2023 House Cup Champions begins now… will anyone be able to stop the Phoenician reign??
Read Less
On Wednesday 19 October, PBC’s Growing Good Humans program was proud to present our final Conversations that Count Event in conjunction with Miami SHS, for 2022.
“Bouncing forward: Stories of Resilience" was an evening that focused on resilience, vulnerability and how a conversation that counts can support so many people. Shiike Vanderwerff did an amazing job hosting the evening and kept the audience on the edge of their seats with thought provoking questions to the panellists.
Keynote speaker Andy King retold his journey from professional surfer to loosing his hearing and so much more from a 'one punch' incident. His messages from the evening were many, but one that resonated with so many people was to be grateful, to practice gratitude daily, get off your phone and social media and to ‘PBC’ – Pause, Breathe and make a good Choice.
Lisa Gillard who is a child sexual abuse advocate, spoke of how retelling her story and opening up to people has helped her to heal and process what she dealt with as a young person. Her passion for advocating for those who may not have a voice has also been a game changing in finding her purpose in life. Her final message was so simple, but so effective one that we can all strive to do more of, be kind to yourself.
Dinesh Palipana, the charismatic lawyer, turned doctor and scientist did a brilliant job of highlighting why it is important to shift the frame on ‘disability’ as a label and how he wants the focus to be on how people are ‘able’. Dinesh had not let quadriplegia stop him in his dreams and is currently working in one of the busiest ER hospitals in Australia. Dinesh’s messages of seizing the day, book that holiday, the importance of hugging someone and that it is ok to fail, it’s just not ok not to try were brilliant.
Finally, Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew had the audience in moments of laughter when he spoke about the difficulties of being a professional surfer in the 70’s but also showed how being told no again and again was resilience building. It is amazing to hear that Wayne was part of the Original Founder Group for what is now known as The World Surfing League. Wayne finished off with how important passion is, and to follow your passions even when road blocks are put up in front of you.
2022 has finished on a high for Growing Good Humans and the team cannot wait to host more events in 2023.
Read Less
Science Club has been going strong since the start of term two this year. This term, Science Club has started investigating a new theme – The Amazing Brain. We have already fit in quite a bit this term; students have tested some of their sensory pathways and somatic reflexes, with the highlight so far being a brain dissection to examine the structures of the brain. Each student was also brave enough to taste some cooked brains. ‘Clubbers’ will continue conducting activities investigating how their brain works, and any student is invited to come along for some fun hands-on activities.
Science Club
Each Thursday, Lunch 1, O1 lab
Bring your lunch
All year levels welcome
More students than ever took up the opportunity to get recognition for the activities they already do and earn QCE points, an International Award and a point of difference for future employment and applications. Some of our students are gaining employment as a direct result of having completed Duke.
Our adventures have seen the team venture to Girraween’s enormous and precariously balanced boulders, see the spectacular wildlife and flowers among the granite and Binna Burra nestled in Lamington National Park’s cool and ancient Gondwana forest. Executive Principal Chris Capra joined us on our last adventure as we hiked through the caves track, exploring the special views and local indigenous land features such as Kweebani Cave. When the day light runs out, students collect by the fire for stories. One student subtly stops the group talk “Everyone, this has been the most awesome experience I have ever had”.
Junior Secondary Guidance Officer – Anna Willis
Join Andrew Fuller as he chats with guest Marie Vakakis on emotion coaching
- Emotions – Why they are important to understand
- The current research on how to approach emotion-based coaching
- The stages of life and how emotions differ as we go through them
- Practical applications for schools and families
Podcast: https://www.generationnext.com.au/2021/08/the-gn-podcast-with-andrew-fuller-emotion-coaching/
Host: Andrew Fuller, Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist, Speaker and Founder of My Learning Strengths
Guest: Marie Vakakis, Accredited Mental Health Social Worker at The Therapy Hub
Total time: 28 mins
Senior Secondary Guidance Officer – Steve Jones
Read the attached article for the latest information targeted to senior students of careers and pathway information.
https://pbc-shs.eq.edu.au/support-and-resources/guidance-officer
School Based Youth Health Nurse
School Based Youth Health Nurse-
Hilary Wilson (Mon, Tues) hilary.wilson@health.qld.gov.au
Vanessa Bradley (Tues, Wed) vanessa.bradley@health.qld.gov.au
School Nurse appointments SBYHN@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au
We encourage parents/caregivers to email your student’s excellent recent achievements to us. These achievements can be in The Arts, sporting, academic or community service. We would love to hear from you! Please email us at news@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au with details of your student’s achievement and include at least one photo, and/or any links to media articles that we can share.
State Track and Field Championships
PBC had 16 students competing at the State Track and Field Championships in Brisbane. All students performed extremely well, with most gaining pbs. Special mention to our medallists, Sienna Bush (Gold in 14 Girls 800m and 1500m), Ethan Gray (Gold in 18 Boys 5000m), Thewbelle Philp (Bronze and Silver in 14 Girls 100m and 200m) and Sienna Clare (Bronze (14 Girls Pole Vault). Congratulations!
National Football Championships
Congratulations to PBC's Molly and Oscar who both represented Queensland at the National Football Championships during the September holidays. Both players were named player of the tournament for their Queensland teams! Fantastic Reds spirit!
Cricket Champions
Congratulations to PBC's Ivy (Year 7) who represented South Coast in the Girls 10-12s team at the Cricket State tournament and won! State Champions
Gold Coast Suns Academy Awards Night
Congratulations to PBC’s Cooper Cotter who won the U13 MVP
Congratulations to PBC Reds Jeb Maloney, Kai Covino and Ethan Willett or all received awards at the Suns AFL Academy U15 Presentation night. Jeb - Rising Sun Kai - Most Professional Ethan - MVP.
Bonni Garner was also awarded a MVP AWARD at the suns academy for the U15s squad
National Inline Hockey Tournament
Congratulations to PBC's Manoa, Yr7 who represented Queensland in the National Inline Hockey Tournament in Brisbane. They team came out winners! What a fantastic achievement Manoa!
Alumni News
Congratulations to 2021 Reds alumni Reese Donnelly who has started her football scholarship with Otero College in Colorado! It is so great seeing Reds achieve their dreams.
Attendance
Every Day Counts
School Attendance - PBC Attendance target is 92%
Each parent of a child who is of compulsory school age has the legal obligation to ensure their child is enrolled and attends a school, on every school day for the educational program in which the child is enrolled unless the parent has a reasonable excuse.
Approving Absences
Please note that the school will determine whether an absence can be approved based on the Department of Education guidelines. Examples of acceptable and unacceptable absences can be seen below:
Acceptable reasons for absences
- Serious illness or medical conditions (the majority of these conditions should be accompanied by a medical certificate)
- Representative activities including sport, academic and cultural
- Serious family emergencies (these should be rare)
- Sorry Business
Unacceptable reasons for absences
- Holidays outside school holiday periods – PBC will not provide academic work to any student during this time.
- Non-essential activities (e.g driving lessons, non-school functions during the school day)
- Medical appointments that can be scheduled outside of school hours
Uniform Shop Extended Trading
Monday 7/11 - 7:00am-12:15pm
Tuesday 8/11 - 7:00am-12:15pm
Wednesday 9/11 - 7:00am-12:15pm
Thursday 10/11 - 7:00am-5:30pm
Friday 11/11 - 7:00am-12:15pm
Saturday 12/11 - 7:00am-12:00pm
Monday 14/11 - 7:00am-12:15pm
Tuesday 15/11 - 7:00am-5:30pm
Wednesday 16/11 - 7:00am-12:15pm
Thursday 17/11 - 7:00am-12:15pm
Friday 18/11 - 7:00am-12:15pm
Saturday 19/11 - 7:00am-12:00pm
Reds Go Riot!
Enjoy a night of chuckles and belly-laughs in support of a great cause (Boots for One and All). Featuring an assortment of PBC faces, fresh from the Funny Kids Comedy Writing Workshops and hosted by Mandy Nolan with special guest headliner. ...because laughter is the best medicine!
Tuesday 2 November, 6:30pm - PBC Theatre. Doors open at 6:15pm.
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased here: https://www.trybooking.com/CCTME
Alternatively, tickets can be purchased from the finance office payments window at PBC. Cash only.
All money raised will go to Boots for One and All.
2022 PBC Optima Yearbook is on SALE!!
Pre-order the 2022 Optima Yearbook today for just $30. This year there is 150 pages of fun and colourful content! Messages from key staff, student leaders and house leaders. Photos, photos, photos and more photos of as many students as we could fit in. Stories from all departments. Excellence Program reports, major events highlights, Champion House news and a Farewell to Year 12 gallery and a PBC 50th Birthday celebration section. The magazine covers all faculties, all year levels and all programs. DON'T MISS OUT!! Stock is available until sold out.
The Optima is going to print this week so be sure to make sure your copy is counted in the print run! The Optima will be distributed to students on 18 November.
International Homestay Families Needed
Do you have a spare bedroom?
Would you like to share your love of Australian culture with students from many countries?
We are looking for homestay hosts!
Hosting international students in your home can be hugely rewarding. We offer you the opportunity to play a part in sharing your life, home, and to provide memories and cultural experiences to an international student. To form lifelong friendships.
Increasing numbers of international students are choosing to study at Palm Beach Currumbin SHS and we are looking for local families to host these students. There are short term study tours (under two weeks) as well as long term (6mths-2years) students to accommodate.
Host families receive remuneration for hosting students. Long term hosts will receive $328 a week.
Contact our International Coordinator Corinne Van Put for more information and to answer any questions. Email: cvanp1@eq.edu.au or Tel: 0438 191 637
PBC Tennis Courts – Available to hire
Love tennis!
PBC's tennis courts are now open to the public to book. Our new lights make it a great venue for a night game. Local, inexpensive and convenient.
How To: https://play.tennis.com.au/PalmBeachCurrumbinStateHighSchool
Follow PBC on Social Media
Our social media accounts are the best way to stay connected with the daily happenings of our school. We will upload any important messages, reminders, student achievements and general action. With posts every day this a great way to celebrate our awesome school. If you have any news about your student that you would like to share please message us via Direct Message on Instagram, Messenger on Facebook or email to news@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au.
Instagram @PBCSHS
Facebook @PalmBeachCurrumbinStateHigh and @PBCAlliance
Casual Cleaners Needed
PBC is seeking interest for casual cleaners to commence immediately.
As the cleaner you will:
- Contribute to the efficient and effective operation and environment of the site by providing a high level of cleaning support,
- Ensure that the duties prescribed for the position are completed to an acceptable standard as determined by their supervisor in accordance with the approved school cleaning program.
Cleaners at PBC work both split shifts (morning/afternoon shifts) and straight shifts. Cleaners must be an Australian Citizen or hold a current working visa, must consent to undertaking a criminal history check and also be eligible to obtain or hold a current paid Blue Card. If you are interested in applying please email and submit a resume plus two references to Traci Hayman at thaym12@eq.edu.au.
Upcoming PBC Events
|
28 Oct |
PBC Alliance Industry Awards Breakfast |
|
28 Oct |
Creative Arts Excellence Awards Night |
|
2 Nov |
Reds Go Riot Comedy Night |
|
7 Nov |
51st Annual Junior Academic Awards Night |
|
9 Nov |
Sports Excellence Awards Night |
|
17 Nov |
Year 12 Graduation and Formal |
|
25 Nov |
Year 10 and 11 students final day for 2022 |
Shout Out!
Yr 12 Boat Licencing
During Term 2 and 3 this year the Yr 12 Aquatic Practices Student have been learning the skills and knowledge needed to obtain their Recreational Marine Drivers Licence. After completing the theory component, 51 students headed across to South Currigee on South Stradbroke Island to complete the practical boat handling skills component of the licence. The rain and wind did not deter these students from hitting the water and finally completing the required boat driving skills. Peter Comerford from Tweed Sea Sports (Platimun partner) presented these successful students with their licences at a presentation ceremony last week. Congratulations to all students for your efforts in achieving your RMDL. Thank you to Peter and the team at Tweed Sea Sports for being such amazing supporters of PBC students, year after year.
Warren Potter
AQP Coordinator
For more information on all the great businesses that support PBC Students click on their names below or visit our Business Directory here: https://www.pbc-alliance.com/business-directory.html
These amazing businesses are supporting PBC students with their education in many different ways. This support assists many PBC programs and students directly ensuring all have the opportunity to reach their potential. Please support those that support our students.
Keep an eye on this section of the newsletter each issue for a spotlight on some of our fantastic partners.
PLATINUM
Bendigo Bank Tugun Community Branch
GOLD
Belle Property - Rhys Wildermoth
SILVER
Michael Hart MP, Member for Burleigh
BRONZE
Burleigh Bears Rugby League Club
Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce
Platinum Realty - Alicia Kropkowski
REDS SUPPORTERS
TERTIARY PARTNERS
PBC Alliance Business Directory – support our local businesses
PBC Alliance Business Directory
If you are looking to support our local businesses and local community when looking for a product or service look no further than the PBC Alliance Business Directory. All of our Partners and Member businesses are listed in this directory and are looking to help you whereever they can. All are supporters of our students and local so please support those that support PBC. https://www.pbc-alliance.com/business-directory.htmlWould your business like to support our students? Become a Partner today. If you are interested in learning more about the PBC Alliance visit our website! www.pbc-alliance.com.
Read LessSRS Fees
The finance window is now closed for 2022, thank you.
Exciting 2023 News! The finance window has relocated to D Block. We will be open Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 8am to 12pm.
Year 7, 2023 invoices will be issued Week 1, 2023.
Years 8 to 12, 2023 SRS Fees have been issued (Please check your junk mail if you have not received).
To arrange a 2023 payment plan or to discuss payment options please email finance@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au or visit our website https://pbc-shs.eq.edu.au/support-and-resources/payments.
QPARENTS
What is QParents?
QParents is a user-friendly portal accessible via app or web browser, providing parents with secure online access to information about their child’s schooling.
What information is available in QParents?
You can access information about:
- attendance details
- timetables and upcoming events
- report cards and assessments
- invoices and payment history.
Download QParents https://qparents.qld.edu.au/#/login
